Wind Ensemble Concert

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“Wind Ensemble” Cedar Park, 2022

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Koa perform at an indoor concert. In fact, I think right before the pandemic hit the States in 2020, we saw him perform at UT. But it was like nothing had changed, except all the kids seem taller! 😆

Tonight’s performance was by the TMEA Region 32 Wind Ensemble. They sound amazing, but what is really incredible is that they learned this song (and three others!) in one day. What talented kids!

Koa is in the back-left part of the stage and plays xylophone in this piece. He has a small solo at the 6:25 mark. Enjoy!

Lighting Kit in Action

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5, 1/40 sec, ISO1600
 “Lighting Kit” Cedar Park, 2022

My wife used our Neewer 660 lighting kit for the first time last night during a pizza lesson. It worked out nicely! The shoot-through umbrella is a little obtrusive, but the diffused light and soft shadows that it creates is worth it.

Favorite Pen

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.6, 1/50 sec, ISO1600
 “Fountain Pen” Cedar Park, 2022

I have a notebook on my desk that I use to jot down notes when I’m in meetings. My pen of choice is my Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen. I have a several budget fountain pens, but I really like my basic all-black Metropolitan (medium nib) with blue/black Pilot Namiki ink for general-purpose note-taking. Smooth and consistent writing, and minimalistic body design. Very nice!

Bicycle Work

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/80 sec, ISO3200
 “Rear Wheel Work” Cedar Park, 2022

I am starting work on Sophie’s rear wheel. My plan is to disassemble the hub, repack the ball bearings, and replace the spokes. It might take a couple of weeks because I will need to order the spokes after I measure them. Also, I’m not sure if I can disassemble the hub without a special tool. We’ll see!

But I am looking forward to having new spokes for the rear, just like the front. After I take care of that, there’s only the bottom bracket that should be serviced, but it doesn’t seem like anything is amiss down there.